June 27, 2023
PHOTO BY MATTHEW MILLMAN
So, your home is in the perfect location, and you've already updated the interiors to raise your property's value and painted your doors and interiors in sought-after colors. Is there anything else you can do to eke out an even bigger payday once you decide to sell? Of course! It's time to turn your attention to landscaping.
"A budget of at least 25 percent of your property's worth should be invested in your landscape in order to retain the value of your home," advises landscape designer Amy Hovis, principal and owner of Eden Garden Design in Austin. "With landscape improvements hovering at a 200 to 400 percent return on investment, it makes a lot of sense to hire a designer and do it right."
Now before you go all-out with a yard redesign, let's focus on the changes that will increase your property's value. We chatted with real estate and landscape design experts Gagan Saini, director of acquisitions at JiT Home Buyers; landscape architect Bryan Clayton, CEO of lawn care marketplace GreenPal; design director Kevin Lenhart of the online landscape design site Yardzen; and designer Carol Kurth of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors to find out what exactly you should do to improve the land around your home.
"Landscaping is that silent ambassador that speaks volumes about your home, creating that crucial first impression," says Saini. "An artfully landscaped garden is the x-factor that significantly uplifts your property's value."
But many potential buyers aren't going to want to put in too much effort to care for the garden, so low-maintenance features like irrigation systems can help boost your home's value. "Here's something most people don't know—sustainable landscaping practices can significantly increase property value," says Clayton. "By implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, using native plantings, and opting for organic fertilizers, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers and adds an extra layer of value."
Source: House Beautiful, Stefanie Waldek
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
November 21, 2023
Homebuilders are providing options buyers can’t find in the existing-home sales market.
November 13, 2023
These update ideas make a big impact—without the expense of a traditional renovation.
November 6, 2023
These perennials can live for many years without needing much maintenance from you.
November 3, 2023
About half of Gen Zers and millennials who don’t plan to buy a home in the near future say it’s because homes are too expensive
November 1, 2023
A new report may show a new reason why California is called the Golden State.
October 26, 2023
Avoid clogged pipes and costly repairs with these tips on what to stop flushing down the drain.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.